Portable self-contained drum cleaner



Nov. 23, 1948. F. E. NEEF, JR 2,454,239

PORTABLE SELF CONTAINED DRUK CLEANER 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 16,1945 ATTORNEY Nov. 23, 1948. F. E. NEEF. JR

PORTABLE SELF CONTAINED DRU CLEANER 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Ot. 16, 1945Nov. 23, 1948. F. E. NEEF, JR

PORTABLE SELF CONTAINED DRUII CLEANER l I l l l Fllll'll" HIlhulllllllll 8 Shoots-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 16, 1945 Nov. 23, 1948. F. E.NEEF. JR 2,454,289

PRTBLB SELF CONTAINED DRU CLEANER Filed oct. 1s, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet 4IN VEN TOR.

Nov. 23, 1948. F. E. NEEF, JR

PORTABLE SELF CONTAINED DRUM CLEANER B Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. 16,1945 IN V EN TOR.

NOV. 23, 1948. F. E, NEEFI JR 2,454,289

PORTABLE SELF CONTAINED DRUM CLEANER Filed Oct. 16, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet6 k III/1.

Nov. 23, 1948. F. E. NEEF, JR

PORTABLE SELF CONTAINED DRUM CLEANER 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Oct. 16,1945 HUH ii n

TTO/i NEY Nov. 23, 1948. F. E. NEEF. JR

PORTABLE SELF CONTAINED DRUM CLEANER 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Oct. 16,1945 FEU U UE AIN FLOW l T T l' F ih ING "f mffmm QL VACUUM UMP I'PRESSURE EHIHII PNG IJURE PUMP INVENTOR.

e9( Jr:

#ee/erick E'.

B Y www T'TORNEY Patented Nov. 23, 1948 2,454,289 PORTABLE SELF-CONTAINED DRUM CLEANER Frederick E. Neef, Jr.. Unlted States Army,Hartsdale, N. Y.

Appucauqn omheiis, ma ssl-al No. seam 4o claim. (ci. m-s'n (Granted manthe est or umn s, im, as

amended April 30, 1928: 370 0.

The invention described herein, i! patented may be manufactured and usedby or tor the Government for governmental purposes, without the paymentto me o! any royalty thereon.

My invention relates to cleaning machines and more particularly toself-contained automatically operable gasoline engine powered machinesfor cleaning the interiors oi. gasoline cans and drums or similarreceptacles by flushing the same with a cleaning fluid andsimultaneously withdrawing the iiuid. illtering it and returning it tothe reser voir of the cleaning machine i'or recirculation. theseoperations all being automatically contnolled.

It is of course well known that cans, drums and receptacles oi all kindsfor storing or transporting liquids, such as the 5-gallon gasoline cansand 55- gallon drums used by the armed' forces, become contaminatedduring use due to the presence of foreign matter such as tars or resins,sand. dirt, sticks, etc., in the liquid being stored or transported andto the accidental entrance of such foreign materials into the containersthrough the filling openings therein. Machines have heretofore beendesigned for the purpose of cleanins .such contaminated containersbefore they are reused, but they all lack the compactness, durability.speed, ease o! operation and emciency desirable. Furthermore, all ofthese machines are too cumbersome to be readily transportedand thereforeare not adaptable for use in the iieid by the armed forces or by othershaving need for a portable machine. In addition to these deficienciesmany of these prior cleaners are unsuitable for use in the ileld becausethey do not recirculate the cleaning fluid and therefore require suchlarge quantities of cleaning fluid that the problem of supplying itmakes them impracticable. Other cleaning machines use a type of cleaningmedium not commonly found in army fuels and lubricants dumps orotherarmy supply sources or readily available thereto so that they areinconvenient to use. It is accordingly an object oi my invention toprovide a new and improved portable drum cleaning machine which is selfcontained, compact and durable in construction so that 'it may be easilytransported from piace to place without getting out oi' order, is easyto operate and fast and thorough in operation, but yet is so constructedthat it is inexpensive to manufacture.

Another object of the invention is the provision oi a new and improveddrum cleaner which is entirely automatic in operation and requires onlyone operator to remove cleaned drums from the machine ,and load it withcontaminated drums.

Yet, another object of the invention is the provision o! a new andimproved cleaner for drums and other containers in which the interiorsof the containers are cieaned'by being sprayed with a cleaning fluidwhich aftera liquid level has been built up in the containers iswithdrawn simultaneously with the spraying during a maior portion of thetotal cleaning cycle so that sand and dirt or other foreign objects arewithdrawn with the cleaning uid while it is still in a turbulent stateand before these foreign materials can settle to the bottom of thecontainer.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a new andimproved portable cleaner for drums or other containers which has acleaning iluld reservoir from which iluid is drawn to spray the interioroi the drums for cleaning the same and to which it is returned from thecleaned drums, a iilter being provided for removing foreign matter fromthe iluid before it is returned to the reservoir so that the fluidremains effective for cleaning purposes even after repeatedrecirculation through the system with the result that the .machine maybe operated with the expenditure of a minimum amount of cleaning duid.

Another and further object of the invention is the provision of a newand improved drum cleaning machine in which the vacuum pum-p is cooledby circulating the cleaning fluid used in operating the machine throughthe mechanism and back to the cleaning tluid reservoir.

A further object or the invention is the provision of a new and improvedcleaning apparatus for drums and other containers in which a, tluid auchas kerosene, Stoddard solvent or similar types of uld may be used as acleaning agent.

A still i'urther object of the invention is the provision of a new andimproved portable cleaning machine for drums and other containers whichmay be readily adapted for cleaning containers of diii'erent sizes andshapes.

Another and further object of the invention is the provision of a newand improved portable cleaning machine having a cleaning iluid reservoiradapted to support cleaning nozzles and the containers being cleanedwhich is itself supported on and rotatable aboutV a iixed vertical axisand which machine includes cams and a valve mechanlsm cooperating whenthe reservoir is rotated to subject each container to a plurality offlushing operations during a single revolution of the reservoir.

A further object of the invention is the proviy sion of a new andimproved method for cleaning the interiors of drums and other containerswhich assenso 3 includes subjecting them to repeated cleaning cycles ineach ci which there is an initial oi dushing only to build up a iluidlevel in the containers followed by a period o! simultaneous nushingandevacuation ot the cleaning fluid so that foreign material dislodgedby the discharging cleaning iiuid is maintained suspended in the uuidand ls Withdrawn with the mild and in dl!- continuing the nushing andcontinuing the suc- Another and further object of the invention is A theprovision oi a new and improved cleaning apparatus for drums and othercontainers in which means are provided for supporting the containersbeing cleaned in an upright position on the machine during the cleaningoperation with the cleaning nozzles of the machine projecting into thecontainer through openings in their tops so that the iiuid used influshing the interior oi the container is caught in the container andnot wasted and after withdrawal and filtering may be recirculatedinstead of being wasted in cleaners in which the containers are invertedwhen they are being cleaned.

A more specitlc object of the invention is the provision of a new andimproved apparatus for cleaning drums and like containers which has aplurality of cleaning nozzles secured on its reservoir that are adaptedto be received in the containers being cleaned and suction and pressuremeans automatically operated upon rotation of the reservoir of themachine to provide simultaneous flushing and evacuation of thecontainers, the reservoir also being provided with auxiliary connectionsfor cleaning nozzles each having manually operated means for controllingthe pressure and suction ilow of uid therethrough so that containers ofunusual size and shape not adapted to be secured on the containersupports on the machine for automatic cleaning may be cleaned bymanually controlling the suction and pressure flow thereto while thecontainer is resting on the base of the machine or other stationarysupport.

The present invention comprises other novel features. the advantages ofwhich will be pointed out as the description proceeds, the improvedcleaner of this invention being fully described hereinafter and thenovel features thereof being particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims. It is to be understood that for the purpose of illustration apreferred embodiment of the cleaning machine has been shown in thedrawings and described in detail. but the embodiment shown and describedis susceptible of many modifications. changes and rearrangements ofparts to fit particular circumstances without departing from the spiritor scope oi the invention. In the accompanying drawings: l

Figure 1 is a top plan view of my cleaning machine.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the machine.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the base and reservoiroi my improved cleaning machine.

improved Figure 4 is a top plan view of the cleaning machine with thetop circular platform and the operating mechanism which it carriesremoved therefrom.

Figure 5 is fragmentary top pian view oi the cleaning duid reservoirwith the operating mechanism removed therefrom.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional line l o! Figure 8.

Figures l to 12 inclusive are sectional views taken on the linesrespectively. of Figure 5.

Figure 13 is fragmentary perspective `view o! a portion of the niterchamber oi' the cleaning machine.

Figure 14 is a fragmentary iront elevational view ci the nlter chamberoi' the cleaning maview taken on the fragmentary crossl-'I to iI--iLFigure 15 is a side elevational view partly in section of the nozzlesused in cleaning tive-gallon cans of the type used bythe armed forces.

Figures i6 to 22. inclusive, are cross sectional views taken on thelines IB-Ii to 22-11. inclusive. respectively, oi Figure 15.

Figures 23 is a developed view of the cams forA controlling actuation o!the suction and pressure valves of the machine.

Figure 24 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the sequence of ilushingwhich a container passes through in a complete cleaning operation.

Figure 25 is a view diagrammatically illustrating the operation of mycleaning machine.

Figures 26 and 27 are top plan views of the suction and pressure camsrespectively showing the contour oi these cams.

Referring to the drawings there is illustrated therein a cleaningmachine particularly adaptable for progressively and automaticallycleaning at one time ten live-gallon cans of the type commonly used bythe armed forces for storing and transporting gasoline in combat areasand other places. The machine rests on a base l0 formed from a pair otlongitudinally extending channel irons 3i which are maintained in spacedrelation by a plurality of transversely extending angle irons I2 securedto the channel irons `by welding to form a sturdy framework as shown inFigures 1 to 4, inclusive. The space between the cross pieces andchannel irons at each end of the base is formed into compartments forstoring tools and spare parts by providing a bottom wall of metallicplate for these spaces and covers 33 oi' the same material which may behinged to the angle irons or otherwise held in position. Handles Il areprovided on these cover plates for raising the same to gain access tothe compartments, and a heavy eyebolt 15 is secured at each corner ofthe base for lifting the machine when it is to be placed on or removedfrom its transporting vehicle. Extending transversely of the base is acentrally located channel iron cross piece 3l which has its ends weldedto the sides of the longitudinally extending channel irons Il. A

supporting column 31 is secured to the central portion of the channelcross piece lli by welding or other suitable means and is rigidlysupported in upright position by a plurality of triangular shaped bracesIl which have vertical edges I! welded to the sides oi the column 31 andbody portions that extend diagonally outwardly from the column to thepoint of intersection between the longitudinal channel irons Il and theangle iron cross pieces I2. to which the extremities ,of these bodyportions are welded as indicated at III in Figure 3. This nxed centralcolumn formsa support for the reservoir and the operating meehanism ofthe cleaner about which it rotates as will be more fully describedhereinafter.

A cylindrical reservoir 4| is provided for containing the cleaning duidused in operating the machine. This reservoir has a sloping bottom 42,vertical walls 48. a central tubular column I4 which extends upwardlyfrom the bottom to a point somewhat below the top edge o! the side wallsand deilnes a space into which the central column I1 projects when thereservoir is in operative position. Secured to the inner surfaces of thewall Il of the reservoir at a point below the top edge and to the outerwall oi the tubular column u by welding or other suitable means whichwill provide a liquid and air tight connection between these parts isthe reservoir top IB best seen in Figures 3 and 'l to 11. Bpaced abovethis top Il and secured along the top edge of the side wall 43 is anannular top plate or flange 46 which forms a base to which the operatingvalves tor controlling the flow of cleaning fluid to and from thecontainers being cleaned and the posts which support the operatingmechanism are secured. The upper end oi the tubular column u is providedwith a ilapged ring bearing Il as shown in Figures 3 and 9, and a thrustbearing Il is secured on a shoulder 49 near the upper end of thesupporting column ll and is engaged by `a flange lll n the ring bearingIl to thereby provide a rotatable support for the reservoir as shown inFigure 3. Wobbling of reservoir while it is rotating is prevented by aring which engages the walls of the tubular column Il along a slightlyenlarged portion I2 thereof when it is resting in position on the collarIl that is seated on braces Il of the stationary column 31. 'I'his typeof mounting permits the reservoir 4| to rotate freely around thestationary column Il.

Two chambers are dened in the top portion oi' the reservoir throughwhich cleaning iluid must ilow in the cycle of a cleaning operation. Thellrst of these is an annular pressure chamber Il formed around the topoi' the reservoir by an annular ring Il which extends between the topoi' the reservoir Il and the top plate Il spaced from the outer wall Ilas shown in Figures 3, 7, 8, 10, and 11. Below this chamber I4 and inthe upper end of the reservoir proper a iilter chamber Il is formedbetween the outer wall I3 ofthe reservoir, a ring Il concentric withthis wall and secured to the underside of the top essary to clean outthis sump. and for this pur-` pose the reservoir must be provided withan opening normally closed by a clean-out plate (not shown) throughwhich access to the sump may be had.

Set in the outer wall of the reservoir 4I between the bottom il of theiilter chamber I6 and the 42 of the reservoir is a gauge channel Ilhaving a vertical wail ll in which is secured a sight gauge 82 forindicating the level o! the cleaning nuid in the reservoir. A secondchannel Il is secured along the inner side of the vertical wall of thereservoir and extends from a point adjacent the bottom of the reservoiras shown in Figure 3 to the outlet port G4 formed in the top plate asshown in Figures 5 and 10.

cylindrical centrally locatedl to the screens 69 This channel forms apassageway for drawing cleaning nuid from the bottom oi' the reservoir.For draining the reservoir a drain plug GI is provided which is threadedinto a sleeve 86 secured in the wall I8 of the reservoir at a pointadjacent its bottom as shown in Figure 12.

Annular ring Il which forms the-inner walls of the iilter chamber B8 -isprovided with two plane portions B1 as shown in Figures 3, 5, 8 and 13,which extend angularly with respect to each other and have internallyand externally threaded bushings Bl secured thereto by threading thesame therein normal to the surface of the plane portions 81. Elongatedtubular iiltering screens i9 are threaded into these bushings and extendhorizontally from the bushings 08 and angularly with respect to .eachother so that their outer ends project' on opposite sides oi the centraltubular column u of the reservoir as seen in Figure 6. Cleaning iluid isdrawn from the containers being cleaned to the lter chamber Il by meansof suction as will be explained in more detail hereinafter and must ilowthrough the strainers Bl in its return passage 'to the reservoir 4i sothat foreign materials are removed. A pressure equalizlng screen 'In isprovided in the bottom Il of the nlter chamber adjacent the inlet asseen in Figures 3 and 13.

Supported on the top plate 40 of the reservoir. by means of a pluralityof posts 1I secured thereon by threading the same into the plate or bysecuring them in any other easily removable manner. is a circularplatform l2 upon which the operating mechanism for the cleaner ismounted as shown in Figures l and 2. This mechanism is ci' conventionalconstruction and will not be described in detail but includes a pressurepump 13 having an inlet pipe 'M connected to the outlet I4 in the topplate I6 by means of a threaded ilange 1I secured to the top plateof thereservoir. An elbow 'Il in this conduit il is provided with a tappedaperture through which the reservoir is filled with cleaning fluid, andthis aperture is closed by a threaded plug Il. In ordinary operationapproximately Il gallons of cleaning iluid are contained in thereservoir which is of almost double this capacity so that it is onlyabout onehalf lled with uid at any time. It has been found that keroseneis an ideal cleaning iluid. not only because of its eectiveness inthecleaning operation but also because of its ready availability at fueland lubricant supply points for the combat areas when the machine isbeing used by the armed forces. However Stoddards solvent or similarcleaning fluids may also be used.

'I'he discharge side of the pump is connected by a conduit 18 seen inFigure l to an outlet 11 in the top plate 48 shown in cross section inFigure l1 by means of a threaded flange i8 secured to the top plate towhich the end of conduit 18 is threaded. The pump is preferably providedwith a by-pass valve to prevent the building up of excessive pressure inthe machine.

Flow of cleaning lluid from the machine to the containers being cleanedis produced by the pressure mechanism Just described. To produce areportion thereof, i. e., the lllter chamber Si, and the space in thetop of the reservoir above the fluid. are maintained ,at Vsubatmosphericpressure by a vacuum pump Ii secured to the platform A conduit l2 which,is connected to the outlet 8l in the top plate "QI through a threadedflange Il secured to the-top plate and threadedly receiving the end ofconduit li asshownin obtained by Figure `8 connects the pump 8i with achannel u which extends from the top plate downwardly through thepressure c Il into the filter chamber Il and is weldedto the undersideof the top plate and to the walls of the reservoir to form an airtightpassageway from the filter chamber to the outlet Il.

In the operation of the machine, air is drawn from the iilter chamberand the upper part of the reservoir bythe vacuum pump Il and isexhausted to the atmosphere through a conventional air exhaust andsilencer Il show.. in Figure 2. The cleaning nozzle communicate withthis region of reduced pressure through means to be hereinafterdescribed so that suction on the nozzles causes a return flow ofcleaning huid.

Forced lubrication of the vacuum pump Il is means oi' an oil pump 8imounted above the platform 12 and having conduits l1. for feeding oil tothe vacuum pump. and to prevent overheating of the vacuum pump in theoperation of the cleaning machine it was found necessaryr to provide ameans for cooling the same. In the present embodiment of the inventionthis is accomplished by by-passing a small portion of the cleaning fluidfrom the pressure pump 1I through a by-pass conduit 8B to the vacuumpump and circulating the same therethrough. Thus the compact-ness of themachine is increased since the need for a separate cooling medium forthe pump is eliminated. Moreover, a further saving in space andequipment is secured by this cooling system because it is notnecessary'to provide a heat exchanger for cooling the cleaning fluid.Aeration of the fluid is bound to occur when the cleaning fluid issprayed into the containers being cleaned so that the fluid ismaintained in a relatively cool condition at all times.

The means for driving these pumps 13, Il and It preferablyv comprises anair cooled internal combustion engine Sii of conventional constructionsecured to platform 12, although other op erating means may be used ifmore convenient. Referring to Figures l and 2 it will be seen that thisengine drives a gear reducer 9| which in turn drives a hub 92 through aclutch having an operating handle 93 for operatively engaging anddisengaging the engine and the hub. A sprocket 9| secured on the outerend of the hub 92 drives the oil pump through a gages over a sprocket onpump.

A second sprocket 95 on the hub 92 is connected to and drives the vacuumpump 8| when the hub is rotat'ng. The pressure pump is also driven fromthis hub 92 by means of a third sprocket 9B connected by a sprocketchain to a sprocket on the pressure pump 13. The fourth sprocket 91 onthe hub is connected by a chain to a speed reducer 9B secured on theplatform and having a. vertically extending shaft 99 projecting belowthe platform 12 and rotated at a reduced speed with respect to the hub92 and motor shaft when the motor and hub are operatively engaged.

Engine 9B has a crank |00 which extends outwardly beyond the platform 12to an accessible position so that it may be conveniently operatedmanually when it is desired to start the engine. By means of the clutchbetween the engine and the hub it is possible to disconnect the enginefrom the pumps secured on the platform when the engine is to be startedor cleaning is to be discontinued. It should be noted that by securingthe operating mechanism to the platform as described this mechanism maybe easily and quickly removed from the machine as a unit merely bysprocket chain which enthe drive shaft of the oil l able elements.

disconnecting the posts 1i and the suction and pressure connections tothe reservoir. The whole platform 12 and everything secured on it maythen be lifted from the machine.

In addition to driving the pumps beforementioned, the engine Dil alsorotates the reservoir upc-n the fixed column 31 during the cleaningoperation. In Figures 2 and 3, there is shown a means for driving thereservoir from the motor which comprises a clutch having nxed and mov-The fixed element of the clutch comprises a circular plate ilii having a'ring |02 engaging about the top of the fixed column I1 andnon-rotatably secured thereto by means of set screws |02' or othersuitable means. This plate is provided with rectangular slots in itsperiphery in which the lower ends ill! of a series of elongated jawteeth IM secured in the periphery of a movable disc lili are adapted toslide when the disc lill is raised or lowered. The upper ends of the lawteeth lill extend upwardly above the top surface of the disc iti.

The second element of the clutch comprises a jaw element |08 havingperipheral slots lill in which the upper ends of the teeth i are adaptedto engage when the disc ill! is raised to operative position.

Jaw element |06 is secured to the lower side of an idler sprocket |08which is free to rotate upon a shaft |08 depending from the lower sideof the platform 12 and coaxial with the column 31. Idler ii is driventhrough a sprocket chain lill by a sprocket iii secured on the shaft 98depending from and driven by the speed reducer 9B. When the teeth |04 inthe disc it are disengaged from the clutch element I" on the idler |08as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the latter is free to rotate upon its shaftand the reservoir remains stationary even though the engine isoperating. However, when the movable disc lili is raised from theposition shown in the drawings sufficiently to cause the tops of theteeth IM to engage in the slots i|i1 in the periphery of the idlerelement |06, their lower ends will remain engaged in the slots in theperiphery of the circular plate lill fixed to the stationary column 31so that rotation of the idler will be abruptly braked and the sprocketchain will stop moving over the sprockets, but with the engine 90continuing to operate and to apply torque to the sprocket lil the forceapplied will cause this sprocket to travel along the sprocket chain liliso that the entire platform 12 and all of the mechanism secured theretowill be rotated about a vertical axis coaxial with the axis of the idlerIDB and stationary column 31. Since the platform 12 and reservoir 4i arerigidly and nonrotatably secured together by means of the posts 1isecured to the platform 12 and to the top plate I8 of the reservoir thelatter will be caused to rotate about the fixed column 31 on the thrustbearing 4B which supports the machine on column 31. Under normaloperating conditions the reservoir travels relatively slowly making onerevolution in approximately seconds so that the sudden engagement of theclutch elements does not place too great a strain thereon.

Means for raising and lowering the circular disc |05 is shown in Figure3 comprising a shaft H2 threaded at its upper end into the disc |05which is locked on this shaft by a nut i lli threaded on the upper endthereof. The shaft is journaled adjacent its upper and lower ends forreciprocatory movement in a centrally located opening in the xed platelili and an opening lil in the top of the central cross bar 3B and ispivoted at its lower end to one arm oi a bell crank lever ||5 pivoted at||4 to a cross piece extending between the flanges of the central crossbar I5. The other arm of the bell crank is pivoted to one end of anoperating rod H4 extending longitudinally of the base I and providedwith an upturned handle Il! on its outer end for convenient grasping byan operator. It will be obvious from an examination of Figures 2 and 3that by moving tlie rod ||5 to the right as shown in those ngures theshaft ||2 and disc |05 will be raised until the teeth |04 engage in theslots |01 in the idler clutch element |||5. The clutch may be locked inengaged position by providing the rod H8 with a slot |20 on itsunderside positioned so that it engages with the edge of an upstandingbracket |2| secured to the base 40 when the disc is in fully raisedposition.

To prevent the reservoir from rotating when the machine is idle or is.being transported, it may .be provided with a plurality of anchorssimilar to that shown at |22 in Figure 2. Each anchor comprises a pairof tie rods |22 having their adjacent ends threaded into a turnbuckie|24 and their outer ends adapted to be engaged in the plate 4B of thereservoir and an eye adiacent the outer extremity of a side rail 3| ofthe base 30. By tightening the turnbuckles |24 the reservoir may berigidly locked against accidental rotation.

In the operation o! the machine, cleaning of the containers and removalof the foreign materials therefrom is effected by simultaneouslyflushing and evacuating the containers for a portion of each cleaningcycle so that cleaning fluid is withdrawn while it is still in aturbulent state due to the flushing or so soon thereafter that theforeign materials have not had time to Stick to the sides of thecontainer or settle to the bottom.

A compact nozzle for accomplishing simultaneous flushing and evacuationof the containers is shown in Figure 15 from which it will be readilyapparent that each nozzle consists of concentric inner and outermetallic tubes |25 and |26, respectively. which are sealed together attheir lower ends as indicated at |21 so that a cylindrical innerpassageway |28 and an annular outer passageway |19 are dened in eachnozzle. The upper end of the outer tube |25 is secured to one branch ofa T joint |30 by a leakproof connection, and the inner tube |25 extendsthrough both branches of the T connection |30 and communicates with aconnecting pipe I3 I, one end of which is threaded into the secondbranch of the T. Both the joint between the T |30 and the end ofconnecting pipe I3| and between the upper end of the inner tube |25 andthe interior of the connecting pipe IBI are made leakproof so that thereis no communication between the inner and outer passageway |28 and |29in the nozzle.

The outer tu-be |26 of the nozzle is provided with small jet apertures|32 arranged in series indicated generally in Figure l and at variousangles to the surface of the tube to direct duid in the form of a nestream or spray from the nozzle onto all the interior surfaces of thecontainer which has been placed about the nozzle as shown in Figure 2.The series of apertures |32 shown in Figure and the particulararrangement thereof which is indicated in Figures 16 to 22 was designedparticularly for cleaning ilvegallon cans of the type used by the armedforces in storing and transporting gasoline in combat areas. It will beobvious that other arrangements oi apertures may be made to make thenonies l0 adaptable for cleaning containers of other sizes and shapes.

Each nozzle is rigidly supported in depending position by upwardlyprojecting supply and evacuation conduits which are connected thereto atone end and at the other end communicate with the proper chambers oi'the reservoir to effect the flushing operation. The stem of the T III isconnected to the upper end of a iluid supply conduit |33 which conduitis connected at its lower end to an automatically operated pressurevalve |34. Interposed in this line at any convenient point beyond thepressure valve |34 for example between the stem of the T |30 and theupper end of the conduit |34 is a manually operated valve |35 forregulating the iiow of fluid to the nome independently of the operationof the pressure valve |34 and for completely discontinuing the operationin certain nozzles when this is desired. Pressure valve |34 is in theform of a conventional poppet or whistle valve and in turn is connectedto the top plate 45 by a short length o! pipe III threaded into one ofthe series of threaded openings |31 therein (shown in Figure 5) whichcome municate with the pressure chamber 54. By means of the pressureline just described the outer passageway |29 in a nozzle is brought intocommunication with the pressure chamber 54 so that nuid under pressurewill tlow into the nozzle when the valve |34 is opened. I

Valve |34 is spring loaded in a closing direction so that a force mustbe applied to its stem |35 when the valve is to be opened. Foraccomplishing this automatically an operating mechanism is providedcomprising a horizontally extending lever arm |39 having one endengaging the valve stem and having its opposite end rigidly secured onthe upper end of a vertical spindle shaft |4|I which is rotatablymounted in a anged journal |4| secured to the top plate 45 oi 4thereservoir as shown in Figures 3 and 4 and extends through one of theseries of openings |42 in the top plate 44 shown in Figure 5. Rigidiysecured on the lower end of the spindle is a second lever arm |4I whichalso extends horizontally therefrom. The outer end of this arm isprovided with a roller |44 for engaging the cam surface of a cam whichwill be described hereinafter, and the two lever arms are secured oncenter lines angularly disposed with respect to each other sumciently tocause the valve stem and first lever arm to remain in contactingengagement and the roller and cam surface to remain in contactingengagement at all times.

Support for the nozzle is also provided by the suction conduit |45connected at its upper end to the upper end of the connecting pipe |4|on the nozzle through elbow nttings a coupling and short connectingpipes. A manually operable valve |45 similar to the valve |35 in thepressure line is interposed in the line preferably between the couplingand the suction line as shown in Figure 2. The lower end of the suctionconduit is connected by means of a series of connecting pipes and elbowsto the outlet side of a gate valve |41 which has its inlet connectedthrough an air-tight connecting Basket |48 to the top plate 45 of areservoir as indicated in Figure 3 so that the inlet of the valvecommunicates with a passageway |40 leading to the nlter chamber 58 asseen in section in Figure '7 The gate in valve |41 is mounted on avertically extending spindle |50 which rotates to swing the gate into anout of seated position. Spindle |50 extends through and is rotatablyjournaled in one oi a series of 45 and has a horizontally extendinglever arm |52 rigidly secured on its lower end. Referring to Figure 3 itwill be seen that this arm has a roller |63 on its free end engageablein a cam race in a suction cam which will be described hereinafter foroperating the lever.

For the sake of brevity a single nozzle and its suction and pressuresupply system have been described because each of the ten nozzles andthe supply lines therefor are similar in construction and operation.Mutual support as between the vertically extending portion oi the sutionand pressure supply lines is obtained by means oi a strap metal band |54conduits |33 and |45. Each conduit is secured to the band by means of aU-bolt |55 so that all the conduits are bound together and mutuallysupport each other and thus increase the rigidity of the entirestructure.

In order that the cleaning operation may be satisfactorily performed, acontainer being cleaned must be supported on the machine in an uprightposition, but tilted sumciently so that the lower corner of thecontainer diagonally opposite the opening therein is the lowest point ofthe container, and the nozzle tip must project into this lowest point.One form oi' support for accomplishing this shown in Figures 2 and 4comprises an elongated supporting arm |55 plvotally secured at one endto the upper end of a holder bracket |51. This holder |51 pivots upon avertically extending pin |55 secured in upper and lower lugs |56 and |60respectively welded to the side walls 43 oi the reservoir as seen inFigure 7. Extending angularly downwardly from a projection on the lowerside of the arm |56 intermediate its ends is a compression spring |62which seats against the edge of the bracket |51. The upper edge of thearm is declined to a point intermediate its ends where a projection |63is provided to form an abutment for the edge of a container when thelatter is in position for cleaning. A handle |64 for gripping the arm isfashioned on the outer extremity thereof, and the bracket may beprovided with stop plates |55 on each side adapted to engage the sidewalls 4I of the reservoir for limiting pivotal movement oi the holder onthe pin |58.

In placing a can on the machine preparatory to cleaning the same the arm|56 is pivoted to one side or the other and a container manually raisedto position with a nozzle projecting into its interior through theopening on the top side oi the container. The operator then grasps thehandle |64 and pivots the arm of the can holder downwardly against thepressure of the spring |62 and horizontally until it is brought underthe edge oi' the can with the back edge of the latter abutting againstthe projection |63. For aiding in properly positioning the can a guide|66 may be secured to the lower end of the suction conduit |45 by a.U-bolt |61. To prevent escape of cleaning fluid from the opening of thecontainer during the cleaning operation each nozzle preferably isprovided with a cap or apron |68 secured on the nozzle at such aposition that the top of the can is brought into engagement with theedges of the apron when the can is in proper cleaning position. Inaddition to its other functions the apron also aids in properlypositioning a container on the machine.

While only one can support |56 has been deapertures |5| in the top plateencircling the ten series or i scribed, it should be obvious that asimilar support is provided in conjunction with each nozzle on themachine.

Automatic operation of the pressure and suction flow is secured by meansoi pressure and suction cams now to be described, having referenceparticularly to Figures 3, 4, 26, and 27 in which the same areillustrated. The suction cam designated in its entirety by the number I"comprises a plate |15 having the contour shown in Figure 26, a ring |1|secured to this plate along its periphery and a plurality ot generallysector shaped plates |12 secured to the ring |11 in spaced relation withthe plate |16 to form a series of cam races |12 with the plate in whichthe rollers |53 on the end oi the suction cam levers |52 are adapted tomove. Plate |15 is non-rotatably secured by means oi welding or otherappropriate means to a hub |14 adapted to be received on the upperreduced end oi the fixed column 11. Reinforcement oi.' the union betweenthese parts is obtained by means bf a plurality of triangular shapedbraces |15 having vertical edges welded on the periphery of the hub attheir junction and longitudinal edges welded to the top of the plate|10.

A pressure cam |16 in the form of a ring and having the contour shown inFigure 2'7 is secured to the uppermost side of the suction cam by meansoi rivets or bolts or other suitable means and is held in spacedrelation therewith by spacers |11 interposed between the two cams.

Sin`ce the valves and their operating levers are mounted on the topplate 46 of, the reservoir and rotate therewith, the cams must remainstationary if the valves are to be operated when the reservoir isrotated. Fixed mounting oi the cams is secured by means of a pluralityof set screws |14' which are threaded into the walls of the hub |14 andbear against the ilxed column 31 when the cams are in position on thecolumn.

As indicated in Figures 3 and 4 the rollers |4l on the pressure camlevers |43 ride on the outer surface oi the pressure cam |16 and aspreviously explained are held in contact therewith by the spring loadedstems oi puppet valves |34. The springs in these valves tend to holdthem in closed position so that a positive pressure is required to openthe valve. This along with the particular contour of the pressure cam|16 and the relative angular positioning of the cam lever arms |36 and|43 on the spindle |40 causes the pressure valve |24 to be opened andclosed instantaneously for abruptly initiating or terminating the flowoi. fluid to the nozzles. On the other hand, the gate valves |41 in thesuction line must be mechanically operated in both opening and closingdirections. For this reason the suction cam is provided with cam races|12 in which the cam rollers |53 move so that the cam levers areforccably operated in both opening and closing directions.

Referring to Figures 4 and 23, and to Figure 24 wherein is shown thesequence of operation o! the valves, it will be noted that throughouteach cleaning cycle operation of the suction valve is delayed withrespect to operation of the corresponding pressure valve. This isindicated in Figure 23 which is a diagrammatic developed view of thecams with the oblique lines joining positions representing the valves.It will be noted that the pressure valves open abruptly and ln advanceof the suction valves which open slowly Bhd that n0 more than threesuction and three pressure valves are open at any one time. By limitingthe operation in this manner the capacity of the machine is notovertaxed and the cleaning cycle can be repeated during each completecleaning operation to secure more effective cleanings.

In Figure 24 is shown the sequence of the cleaning operation with theoperators station indicated. It should be noted that a complete cleaningoperation has three cycles, and that during the first and second cycleof the cleaning operation there is a relatively long period of ushinginitiated suiliciently vin advance o! the opening of the suction valveso that a liquid level is built up in the container being cleaned and ismaintained throughout these two cycles. Foreign materials dislodged fromthe walls of the container are suspended in this liquid and areprevented from settling too rapidly by the turbulence of the liquidcaused by the discharging fluid. As this turbulent liquid is drawn fromthe container the foreign materials suspended therein are alsowithdrawn. Flushing during the third cycle is continued only asufiicient time to stir up the liquid carried over from the secondcleaning cycle and the suction in this cycle is continued a sumcienttime to completely evacuate the container andthereafter is continued ata reduced rate to a point in the path of rotation where the containersare removed by the operator in order to prevent a back flow of cleaningfluid from the nozzle into the container being cleaned.

In addition to the nozzles already described the machine is alsoprovided with one or more auxiliary nozzles |18 particularly adapted forcleaning containers other than the five-gallon container, for example55-gallon drums. These nozzles are similar in construction to the nozzlepreviously described and are provided with manually operated valves |19for controlling the flow of fluids therethrough. Nozzles |18 areconnected by exible hoses |80 shown in Figure 1 to pressure and suctionoutlets on the reservoir indicated generally at |8| and provided withmanually controlled valves |82.

When these nozzles are to be used they are connected to the properoutlets |8| to produce a circulation of duid therethrough and thepressure and the suction creating mechanism of the machine is put inoperation. but the driving clutch |05 for the reservoir is allowed toremain disengaged so that the reservoir remains stationary. When thevalves |19 controlling the flow of fiuid are open with the nozzles |18inserted in a drum, a circulation of fluid will occur. This may becontinued for a suflicient length of time to effect a thorough cleaningof the drum which during this time is placed adjacent but not on themachine. The manually operated valves |10 should be opened and closed insuch order that a sequence of pressure and suction ow is secured similarto that secured in the automatic operation of the machine.

For the automatic operation of the machine the reservoir is firstsupplied with cleaning fluid, preferably kerosene, which is fed into thereservoir through the lling opening in elbow 10. After the machine hasbeen loaded with ten cans and the operating engine 90 has been started,the clutch for driving the operating mechanism is engaged by moving thelever 93 thereby causing kerosene to be drawn from the bottom of thereservoir 4| through the channel 63 outlet 04 and conduit 14 to theintake side of the pump 13. Kerosene under, pressure is forced from thepump r interiors of 14 through conduit 16 and inlet 11 into the annularpressure chamber I4 in the top of the reservoir 4|.

At the same time that pressure is being built up in the pressurechamber, the pressure in the filter chamber and reservoir is beingreduced to sub-atmospheric by the vacuum pump 8| which is connected tothe filter chamber through the conduit 82 outlet 83 and passageway 05.Adjustment of the capacity of these pumps must be made to prevent a backflow of air through the pressure line since both pumps are evacuatinguid from the same chamber. I have found that a pressure pump capable ofcreating a vacuum of about 25 inches of mercury and a vacuum pump havinga capacity of about 15 inches oi' mercury will produce satisfactorydegrees of pressure and vacuum for operating the machine withoutovertaxing either pump.

By maintaining the filter chamber 58 and reservoir 4i at sub-atmosphericpressure at all times, a flow oi' contaminated fluid from the containersbeing cleaned to the filter chamber will occur whenever any of thesuction valves |41 are open. The path of flow of contaminated fluid fromthe lower corner of the container is through inner passageway |20 in thenozzle, connecting pipes. coupling and manually operated valve |46 intosuction conduit |45 and to suction valves |41 from which it flows intofilter chamber 56 through the passageway |49 shown in Figure 7. From thelter chamber 56 the fluid is returned to the reservoir through thestrainers 00 whereby foreign materials are removed.

After the operating mechanism has functioned for a sufficient time tocreate the proper pressure differential between the pressure and illterchambers to produce a circulation of cleaning iluid. the disc |05 isengaged with element |00 whereupon the platform 12 and the reservoir 4Iare rotated. During this rotation the cam rollers |44 and |53 arecarried over the camways on the pressure and suction cams. and as aresult, operate the flow control valves |34 and |41 in the sequencepreviously described. One operator is stationed at the point |03 shownin Figure 24 to remove the cleaned cans from the machine and placecontaminated cans on the machine. In all other respects, the operationof the machine is automatic. By operating the machine in this manner andwith the reservoir making a complete revolution in approximately seventyseconds. it has been found possible to clean upwards of 3,000 cans in asingle eight-hour day.

Obviously, many modifications in the size. structure and arrangement ofparts described i'ore, I do not desire to be limited to the precisedetails described above, but desire to avail myself o! all the novelaspects of the invention coming within the scope of the appended claims.

t claim:

1. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the plurality of containerson said reservoir in position for cleaning, a plurality of cleaningnozzles adapted to be received in said containers for flushing saidcontainers with cleaning fluid and evacuating the same therefrom, meansconnected with said nozzles and cleaning uid to pressure, means forapplying suction to said nozzles for evacuatlng cleaning i v l iiuidfrom' said containers to said reservoir, motor means for rotating saidreservoir and for operating said suction and pressure means. and controlmeans operable upon rotation o! said reservoir for controlling thepressure and suction now between said reservoir and said nozzles todelay the application o! suction to said nonies at the beginning oi' thecleaning cycle until a fluid level has been and to continue suction atthe end of a cleaning cycle a sufficient time to insure completeevacuation ol' the residual iluid from said containers.

2. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the interiors of containerscomprising in combination, a rotatable cleaning iluid reservoir, meansfor supporting a plurality of containers on said reservoir in positionfor cleaning, a plurality of cleaning nozzles adapted to be received insaid containers for flushing said containers with cleaning iiuid andevacuating the same therefrom, means connected with said nozzles andsaid reservoir for subjecting a portion of said cleaning fluid topressure, means for applying suction to said nozzles for evacuatingcleaning iluid from said containers to said reservoir, motor means forrotating said reservoir and for operating said suction and pressuremeans, and control means operable upon rotation of said reservoir forcontrolling the pressure and suction flow between said reservoir andsaid nozzles to effect simultaneous flushing and evacuation of saidcontainers after a liquid level has been built up therein followed byevacuation only for removing the residual cleaning iiuid from saidcontainers after said pressure flow has been discontinued by saidcontrol means.

3. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the interior of containerscomprising in combination a rotatable cleaning fluid reservoir, meansfor supporting a plurality of containers on said reservoir, a series ofcleaning nozzles on said reservoir each adapted to be received in one ofsaid containers and having a discharge passageway with outlets thereinfor directing a cleaning fluid on all of the interior surfaces of saidcontainer and an evacuation passageway for withdrawing cleaning fluidfrom said container, means for establishing a flow of cleaning fluidunder pressure from said reservoir to the said discharge nozzles, meansfor simultaneously creating a suetion flow from said nozzles to saidreservoir, valve means for controlling the ilow of iiuid to and fromsaid nozzles, stationary cam means, and actuating means for opening andclosing said valve means, said actuating means rotating with saidreservoir and engaging with said cam means, said cam means beingconformed to operate said actuating means for opening and closing saidvalves in predetermined order during a cleaning cycle to provide aninitial period of discharge only from said nozzles followed by a. periodof simultaneous discharge and evacuation and a terminating period ofevacuation only when said reservoir is rotated.

4. A cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein the cam meansare designed and adapted to operate said actuating means for said valvesthrough a plurality of cleaning cycles during each complete revolutionof said reservoir.

5. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the interior of containerscomprising in combination a cleaning uid reservoir, means for supportinga plurality of containers in position for cleaning, a plurality ofcleaning nozzles communicating with said reservoir .and adapted to bereceived built up in said container i6 in said containers, a pump fortransferring cleaning duid underpreesureiromsaidreservoirtosaidpressurechamber, means connecting saidpressure chamber and said nozzles for conveying duid under pressure tosaid nonies for flushing said containers. means for applying a suctionto said nozzlesV for evacuating the cleaning duid from said containersand returning same to said reservoir. means for controlling the now ofiluid to and from said containers, means for rotating said reservoir.

cam means for engaging with said new control means to actuate the latterupon rotation of the reservoir through repeated cleaning cycles duringeach revolution of the reservoir. said cam means being conformed tooperate said ilow control means in sequence to provide an initial periodof flushing only followed by a period of simultaneous flushing andevacuation and a terminating period of evacuation only.

6. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the interior of containerscomprising in combination a cleaning fluid reservoir, means forsupporting a plurality of containers in position for cleaning, aplurality of cleaning nozzles communicating with said reservoir andadapted to be received in said containers, pressure means communicatingwith said nozzles and said reservoir for conveying cleaning iiuid underpressure to said nozzles for ilushing said containers, means forreducing the pressure to sub-atmospheric in the portion of saidreservoir above the level of the fluid therein, a filter chamber incommunication with said reservoir, means connecting said iilter chamberand said nozzles for conveying contaminated cleaning iiuid from saidcontainers to said illter chamber, means for controlling the flow offluid to and from said containers, means for rotating said reservoir,cam means for engaging with said flow control means to actuatethe'latter upon rotation of the reservoir through repeated cleaningcycles during each revolution of the reservoir, said cam means beingconformed to operate said ilow control means in sequence to provide aninitial period of flushing only followed by a period of simultaneousflushing and evacuation and a terminating period of evacuation only.

A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the interior of containerscomprising in combination a cleaning fluid reservoir, means forsupporting a plurality of containers in position for cleaning, aplurality of cleaning nozzles adapted to be received in said containers,a pressure chamber, a pressure pump for transferring cleaning fluidunder pressure from said reservoir to said pressure chamber, meansconnecting said pressure chamber and said nozzles for conveying uidunder pressure to said nozzles for flushing said containers, a vacuumpump having its suction side connected to said reservoir above the levelof the fluid therein for reducing the pressure in said chamber tosub-atmospheric, a filter chamber in communication with said reservoir,means connecting said iilter chamber and said nozzles for conveyingcontaminated cleaning iiuid from said containers to said filter chamber,means for controlling the ow of iluid from said pressure chamber to saidnozzles and from said nonies to said iilter chamber, means for rotatingsaid resv ervoir, cam means for engaging with said fiow control means toactuate the latter upon rotation of the reservoir through repeatedcleaning cycles during each revolution o: the reservoir, said cam meansbeing conformed to operate saidiiow conchambenapreseure 2,464,880 17 ltrol means in sequence to provide an initial period said cleaning tluid,means for controlling the ilow of flushing only followed by a period oi'simulof cleaning nuid in said pressure and suction taneous flushing andevacuation and a terminatmeans. a ilxed vertical shaft forming an axisfor ing period of evacuation only. said reservoir. thrust bearing meansfor support- 8. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the s ing saidreservoir upon said shaft in rotatable received in said containers, apressure chamber, a l gallina' With Said 110W control means t0 ctlitepressure to said nozzles for flushing said containproviding an initialperiod oi' flushing only i'olby a period of simultaneous flushing andevacuan axis for said reservoir. means tor securing said ation and aterminating period of evacuation reservoir on Said Shi-ft in rotatablerelation only. therewith, means for driving said cleaning appa- 9. Aself-contained apparatusror cleaning the ratus, clutch means fordisengageably connecting interior of containers comprising incombination said reservoir and said driving means, a cam a cleaningfluid reservoir, means for supporting xed on said shaft for engagingwith the lever a plurality or containers in position for cleaning. arms0n said pressure valves and a second cam to circulate cleaning fluid toand from said nozfrom, said second cam being arranged to delay zles forilushing the interior o! said containers operation oi' said suctionvalves with respect to and removing the foreign material therefrom withthe corresponding pressure valves in each clean- 12. A cleaningapparatus ofthe type dened in tion means. a fixed shaft forming an axisi'or said o claim 11 wherein said cams are conformed to tion onl throughsaid nozzles, valve means for controlling 10. A self-contained apparatusfor cleaning the os the now of cleaningr uid in said supply and interiorof containers comprising in combinaevacuation means, actuating means foropening tion a cleaning nuid reservoir, means for supportand closingsaid valve means when said reservoir ing with said reservoir and adaptedto be received voir, a. clutch element co-axiaily fixed on said rotatedabout an axis co-axial with said post. means for said driving means onsaid reservoir to cause the latter to be rotated when said driving meansis rotated. and cam means non-rotatably secured on said post. saidoperating means for said valves engaging said cam means and beingoperated thereby to open and close said valves in predetermined orderwhen said reservoir is rotated for simultaneously iiushing andevacuating the interior of said containers to clean the same.

14. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the interior of containerscomprising in combination a cylindrical cleaning iluid reservoir, meansfor supporting a plurality of containers on said reservoir, a series ofnozzles on said reservoir adapted to be received in said containers andhaving discharge passageways with outlets therein for directing acleaning iluid on all of the interior surfaces of said containers and anevacuation passageway for withdrawing fluid from said containers, aplatform supported on said reservoir, a pressure pump on said platformfor establishing a forced flow of cleaning fluid from said reservoir tosaid nozzles, a vacuum pump on said platform ior creating a suction nowof cleaning iiuid from said nozzles to said reservoir, a motor on saidplatform for driving said pumps and for rotating said reservoir, a.stationary post for supporting said reservoir and platform, a clutchelement coaxially xed n said post. an idling clutch element operativelyconnected to said motor, means for engaging said idling element and saidfixed element for locking said idling element in fixed positionandthereby causing said platform and reservoir to be rotated about saidpost when said motor is operating, valve means for controlling the flowof cleaning iiuid to and from said nozzles, cam means secured on saidpost, cam levers operatively connected to said valves and operated bysaid cams for opening and closing said valves in predetermined orderupon rotation of said reservoir to provide a period of flushing only ofsaid containers followed by a period of simultaneous ushing andevacuation for cleaning the interior of said containers and terminatedby a period of evacuation only for removing residual cleaning fluid fromsaid containers.

15. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the interior of containerscomprising in combination a cleaning nozzle adapted to be received in a.container and having a discharge passageway therein with outlets fordirecting cleaning duid on the interior surfaces of said container andan evacuation passageway tor withdrawing iluid from said container, acleaning nuid reservoir, means for establishing and maintaining a flowof fluid under pressure from said reservoir to the discharge passagewayin said nozzle for flushing the interior of said container, means forcreating a suction iiow from said nozzle evacuating said container, andmeans for controlling the ow of fluid to and from said nozzle to delaythe initiation and termination of the suction now with respect to thepressure ilow.

16. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the interior of containerscomprising in combination a cleaning nozzle adapted to be received in acontainer and having a discharge passageway therein with outlets fordirecting cleaning iluid on the interior surfaces of said container andan evacuation eway for withdrawing fluid from said container, a cleaningfluid reservoir, means for establishing a now of fluid under pressurefrom said reservoir to the discharge passageway in said to saidreservoir for nozzle for flushing the interior of said container, meansfor simultaneously creating a suction iiow from said nomic to saidreservoir for evacuating said container. means for controlling the flowof uid to and from said nozzle to maintain a substantially constantlevel of turbulent ,iluid in said containers while they are beingcleaned.

l'l, A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the interior of containerscomprising in combination a cleaning nozzle adapted to be received in acontainer and having a discharge passageway therein with outlets fordirecting cleaning fluid on the interior surfaces of said container, andan evacuation passageway therein for withdrawing fluid from saidcontainer, a cleaning tluid reservoir, means for establishing a flow offluid under pressure 4from said reservoir to the discharge passageway insaid nozzle for ushlng the interior of said container, means forsimultaneously creating a suction flow from said nozzle to saidreservoir for evacuating said container. valve means for controlling theflow oi duid to and from said nozzle, and actuating means for said valvemeans. said actuating means being adapted to delay operation oi saidsuction controlling valve relative to said pressure valve until a levelof cleaning iluid has been built up in said container at the beginningof a cleaning operation and to insure complete evacuation oi residualfluid from said container at the end of a cleaning operation.

18. A self -contained apparatus for cleaning the interior of containerscomprising in combination a cleaning nozzle adapted to be received in acontainer and having a discharge passageway therein with outlets fordirecting cleaning iiuid on the interior surfaces of said container andan evacuation passageway for withdrawing duid from said container, acleaning iluid reservoir, means for establishing a ilow of iluid underpressure from said reservoir to the discharge passageway in said nozzlefor flushing the interior of said container, means for simultaneouslycreating a suction flow from said nozzle to said reservoir forevacuating said container, valve means for controlling the flow of fluidto and from said nozzle. and actuating means for said valves, saidactuating means maintaining both valves open for simultaneous dischargeand evacuation of cleaning fluid to flush the interior of said containerand withdraw cleaning iiuid therefrom while the same is in turbulentcondition and foreign materials are suspended therein and maintainingsaid suction valve partially open upon termination of the cleaningoperation to prevent backiiow of cleaning fluid from said nozzle,

19. A self-contained apparatus for cleanins the interior of containerscomprising in combination a cleaning nozzle adapted to be received in acontainer and having a discharge passageway therein with outlets fordirecting cleaning fluid on the interior surfaces of said container andan evacuation passageway for withdrawing fluid from said container, a.cleaning iuid reservoir, means for establishing a now of fluid underpressure from said reservoir to said nozzle for flushing the interior ofsaid container, means for simultaneously creating a suction dow fromsaid nozzle to said reservoir, valve means for controlling the now offluid to and from said nozzle, actuating means for said valves, saidactuating means delaying operation of said suction controlling valverelative to said pressure valve in each cleaning cycle to provide aninitial period of discharge escaso 21 ot fluid only followed by a periodoi' simultaneous sub-atmospheric in a portion oi' said reservoirdischarge and evacuation, said actuating means to create a suction insaid reservoir and tilter being designed to repeat said cleanirm cycle achamber i'or causing a iiow of uuid through said plurality oi' timesduring each complete cleaning evacuation connecting means and saidillter operation, 5 chamber into said reservoir, valve means in saidoperation to prevent backow of the residual 110 followed by a period ofsimultaneous discharge cleaning operation. at the end oi a cleaningcycle, and means for con- 21. A self-contained apparatus i'or cleaningthe trolling the operation of said actuating means interior ofcontainers comprising in combination to Actuate said valve through aplurality ot cleanpgrtjng 9, group gf containers to be cleaned on 25. ASelf-COIltaned BDDBI'BUS for Cleaning the its periphery, a series fcleaning ,mules each interior of containers comprising in combinationadapted te be received in o container and having e rotatable cleaninsfluid reservoir, means for for simultaneous ushjng and evacuatjgn o fthe 20 moll', a Series Of 11022193 0n Said reservoir earch andautomatically operablemeans i the pressure and suction ilow in saidnozzles to ffm Said container. means i'or establishing a.

cycles of flushing and evacuation. u

22. A self-contained apparatus -for cleaning the 1mg the now 0f fluid*'0 and from said lmzzlasinterior ot containers comprising Aincombination actuating means for wenn* and 505m md reducing the pressureto sub-atmospheric in a the end of 9' cleaning operation portion of saidreservoir, means connecting the 26. Ascii-contained apparatus forcleaning the discharge passageway'of said nozzle to said presinterioroi' containers comprising in combination sure ohamber, moons canneoungthe evacuation o a rotatable cleaning fluid reservoir, means for provideon mma] period of discharge only fol; 5o lets therein for directing a,cleaning uid on all 22 wherein the means for controlling the opera- 55reservoir t0 Said discharge 11022188. means for 24. Ascii-containedapparatus for cleaning the 60 gas'lng with said cam means for openingand ing iluld from said container, a cleaning iiuid only a limitednumber of actuating means at any ervoir to said pressure chamber, ailter cham- 7o interior of containers comprising in combination theevacuation passageway of said nomle to said realityv o1' containers onsaid reservoir with said iilter chamber. means for reducing thepressureto 75 cleaning nozzles projecting into said containers,

means lorl supplying cleaning fluid under to said nonies for Bushing theinterior ci said containers. means for applying suction to said nozzlesfor evacuating said containers. valve means for controlling the flow o!cleaning fluid in said supply and evacuation means, means lorautomatically operating said valve means in timed order when saidreservoir is rotated to produce simultaneous nushing and evacuation cisaid containers for cleaning the same, driving means lor said cleaningapparatus, a stationary post for supporting said reservoir. a clutchelement fixed on said post and an idling clutch element lso-axiallyarranged with respect to said post and operatively connected to saiddriving means. means for engaging said fixed and idling elements forlocking said idling element in fixed position and thereby causing saiddriving means to be rotated about said post when said driving means isoperating. and means connecting said driving means and said reservoir tocause the latter' to be rotated when said driving means ls rotating.

28. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the interior of containerscomprising in combination a rotatable cleaning iluld reservoir. aplurality of cleaning nozzles secured on said reservoir and rotatabletherewith, means for supporting a plurality of containers on saidreservoir with said cleaning nonies projecting into said containers, aplatform secured on said reservoir in ilxed relation therewith. apressure pump secured on said platform for establishing a ilow ofcleaning iluid under pressure from said reservoir to said nozzles, avacuum pump secured on said platform for reducing the pressure in saidreservoir to create a suction flow of cleaning fluid from said nozzlesto said reservoir. means secured on said platform for driving said pumpsand rotating said reservoir, valve means for controlling the flow ofcleaning fluid in said pressure and suction means, means forautomatically operating said valve means in timed order when saidreservoir is rotated. a. stationary vertical post extending axially ofsaid reservoir for supporting the same. a clutch element fixed on saidpost, an idling clutch element co-axial with said post and operativelyconnected to said driving means, means for engaging said idler and saidfixed clutch element for locking said idler in ilxed position andthereby causing said platform and said reservoir to be rotated upon saidvertical post by said driving means when said clutch elements areengaged.

29. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the interior of containerscomprising in combination a rotatable cleaning duid reservoir. aplurality of cleaning nozzles secured on said reservoir and rotatabletherewith, means for supporting a plurality of containers on saidreservoir with said cleaning nozzles projecting into said containers, aplatform secured on said reservoir in i-lxed relation therewith, apressure pump secured on said platform for establishing a flow ofcleaning fluid under pressure to said nozzles, s vacuum pump secured onsaid platform for creating a suction flow of cieanng fluid from saidnomles to said reservoir. driving means secured on said platform, valvemeans for controlling the flow of cleaning fluid in said pressure andsuction means, means for-'automatically operating said valve means inpredetermined order when said reservoir is retated, a stationaryvertical post extending axially ol' said reservoir for supporting thesame, a thrust bearing on said post for rotatably supporting saidreservoir thereon. a clutch element co-axially nxed on said post, anidling clutch element oper- 24 atlvely connected to said driving means.means for engaging said idling element and said stationar! element forlocking said idling element in fixed position and thereby causing saidplatform and said reservoir to be rotated upon said vertical post whensaid clutch elements are engaged.

30. In a self-contained apparatus -ior cleaning drums or othercontainers the combination comprising a rotatable cleaning fluidreservoir having a plurality of container supports thereon for suD-portlng containers in cleaning position and a plurality of cleaningnozzles adapted to project into said containers, a pressure chamber, a.pressure pump for conveying cleaning fluid under pressure to saidpressure chamber, means connecting said pressure chamber and saidnozzles for conveying cleaning duid tosaid nozzles, s. vacuum pump forreducing thepressure to sub-atmospheric in that portion of saidreservoir above the level of the uid therein, said vacuum pump having a.capacity reduced with respect to said pressure pump sumciently to permitsaid pressure pump and said vacuum pump operating in a normal manner toevacuate simultaneously cleaning fluid and air respectively from saidreservoir without undue strain on either, means connecting said nozzlesand the reglonp reduced pressure in said peservoir, control means forcontrolling the ilow of cleaning fluid in said suction and pressurelines leading to and from said nozzles, means for rotatlng saidreservoir, stationary cams engaging with said control means foroperating the latter to open and close said valves when said reservoiris rotated, said cams being adapted to delay operation of said suctioncontrol means with respect to said pressure control means at both theopening and closing of the cleaning cycle.

3l. In a self-contained apparatus for cleaning drums or other containersthe combination comp rising a rotatable cleaning fluid reservoir havinga plurality of container supports thereon for supporting containers incleaning position and a plurality of cleaning nozzles adapted to projectinto said containers, pressure and suction creating means incommunication with said nozzles and said reservoir for effecting aforced ow of cleaning iluid to and from said cleaning nozzles. meansoperated upon rotation of said reservoir for automatically controllingthe flow of fluid to and from said nozzles, means for driving saidpressure and suction creating means and engageable with said reservoirfor rotating the latter, an auxiliary nozzle adapted to be received incontainers of such size or shape as to prevent their support on saidreservoir for automatic cleaning, auxiliary nozzle connectionscommunicating with said pressure and suction creating means, andmanually controlled means on said connection for controlling the flow ofcleaning nld to and from said auxiliary nozzles for non-automaticallycleaning said containers when said driving means is disengaged from saidreservoir by simultaneous flushing and evacuation of the same.

32. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the interiors of containerscomprising in combination, a rotatable cleaning fluid reservoir, meansfor supporting a plurality of containers thereon in cleaning position, aplurality of cleaning nozzles adapted to be received in said containersfor flushing said containers with cleaning fluid and evacuating the sametherefrom, means for,I establishing a now of cleaning fluid underpressure to said nozzles, means for applying suction to said nozzles forevacuating cleaning fluid from said containers to said reservoir, motormeans for

